RV
Tips &Techniques
Follow
these basic RV tips and guidelines for a great
vacation.
Outdoor
recreation vehicles are getting more popular by
the year! Due to growing concerns regarding air
travel, many people prefer to spend their vacations
on wheels. Modern campers are elaborate mobile
lodging machines, able to carry all the comforts
of home and to offer a unique vacation experience.
As
more and more travelers prefer driving vacations,
many are discovering RV travel for the first time
- and the FREEDOM, FLEXIBILITY& FUN
that RVs have to offer.
For
those thinking about RVing for the first time,
we have compiled a small list of
RV travel tips and techniques you should take
note of as you get started:
RV
Tip #1: RV Driving is Different - not
Difficult
If
you're an experienced car driver, you already
have the skills necessary to drive a motorized
RV. Most have the automatic transmission, power
brakes and steering you're accustomed to. With
proper attention to the differences - such as
vehicle size, height and weight - you'll find
it fun and easy to take the wheel of a camper
vehicle.
RV
Tip #2: 10 Basic RV Driving Tips & Precautions
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Before
you set out: sit in the driver's seat and
adjust mirrors for optimal road views.
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When
turning, remember to allow for the size
of your vehicle. The front and rear wheels
will track paths much farther apart than
those of a car.
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Allow
more time to brake, or to change lanes and
merge onto a busy highway - big vehicles
take more time to accelerate and slow down
than small ones and are more difficult to
maneuver.
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When
reversing your RV, ask someone to stand
outside the vehicle and direct you. This
will help you avoid any obstacles not visible
in the mirrors.
If another person is not available, get
out of the vehicle and inspect the area.
Doing so can prevent surprises and accidents.
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Ensure
all passengers wear their seatbelts at all
times when vehicle is in motion. This is
your best protection against injury from
a traffic accident.
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Drive
securely. Always keep your RV on roads that
it is equipped to handle
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Plan
your trip beforehand. It's easy to find
campgrounds with settings and amenities
that suit your taste.
Campground directories available at this
site and at others on the Internet, at bookstores
and public libraries provide nationwide
and international listings and comparative
information on fees and facilities.
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Be
safe. Always use marked RV campsites. Avoid
boondocking.
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Do
the math. RV travel is affordable. A family
of four traveling by RV can spend up to
70 percent less than traveling by car, plane
or cruise ship.
Campground fees in the US average about
$22 per night and about €55 in Europe,
well below average hotel/motel room rates.
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Get
going. The RV driving experience is different,
not difficult. With a little practice and
proper attention to differences in size,
height and weight, you will find that RVs
are fun and easy to drive - and the start
of a great vacation experience.
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RV
Tip #3: Protect the Environment
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Recycle
as you travel. Take note of campground recycling
categories: they may be different from those
you use at home. |
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Keep
campfires small to minimize the amount of
ash and pollution. Don't put anything into
the fire pit that will not burn, such as plastics,
foils, and metals. Observe fire rules, which
may change each day with weather conditions. |
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Your
favorite music may be your neighbor's noise
pollution. Observe quiet hours for generators,
boom boxes, and noisy games. |
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Leave
campground showers, the dump station, and
the campsite as clean as you found them. |
RV
Tip #4: Camp Naturally
Work
with nature. In hot weather, use natural shade,
awnings and canvas covers. In cold weather, park
where the RV will be protected from north and
west winds
RV
Tip #5: Driving on Graded Roads
The
ideas following are general ideas. Be sure to
read your owners manual for any specific driving
instructions that the manufacturer recommends
prior to leaving on your trip.
Unless
your RV travels are very limited, sooner or later
- whether your travels take you to Europe, New
Zealand or the US - you're going to find yourself
going up and down pretty steep roads. This can
be a different driving experience, especially
if you are new to RVing.
On
the way up, grades can cause engine overheating
and extensive wear and tear, while the other side
run poses the risk of failed brakes and losing
control. You can, however, use your transmission
to make the trip up and down mountains much easier,
safer and enjoyable.
Your
actions will differ depending on whether you have
a manual or automatic transmission, but the approach
uses the same logic. Going up, you should strive
to keep your engine and drive train operating
in the most effective range of its power curve.
Heading down you should effectively use the drive
train to maintain control while preserving your
brakes.
Engine
type (gasoline or diesel), transmission, engine
capacity and vehicle weight will all determine
optimal engine speed and gear selection when climbing
any particular grade. You must keep your RPMs
in the power range by downshifting as necessary.
Start by building up some speed and dropping out
of overdrive as you approach the slope, and if
you are going to be in the mountains for a while,
stay out of overdrive. With an automatic transmission
you may not have to do anything else, just let
the tranny take over. With a manual, downshift
whenever your tachometer indicates that you are
in the lower part of your power range.
Watch
the engine temperature, slow down and gear down
to reduce heat build up. Be prepared to pull off
if possible to prevent over heating, and if you
do, leave the engine running for a few minutes
at fast idle to keep your coolant circulating.
If you have a temperature gauge on your transmission,
watch it also; you don't want to ruin your fluid
by letting it overheat for any length of time.
Again, pull off and idle if necessary.
Heading down the other side, it's all about control.
Holding down your speed is essential for safety.
The longer and steeper the grade, the more you
should use your drive train to maintain speed
control. Using brakes alone can cause them to
overheat and lose their effectiveness when you
most need them. On grades of 5% or less, running
with overdrive disengaged may be sufficient, but
steeper hills will likely require lower gears.
A
common rule of thumb is to use the same gear going
down as you used on the way up. This may vary
with your weight and vehicle; you'll learn as
you gain experience, but start slow and in control.
With
an automatic transmission you will need to drop
it into lower gears yourself. Keep an eye on your
engine speed and use your brakes to avoid red-lining
or going too fast. But do not ride your brakes;
apply them in short hard bursts to reduce your
speed.
These are general ideas. Be sure to read your
owners manual for any specific driving instructions
that the manufacturer recommends.
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